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36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands June 16 – June 27

Mat Probasco
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36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands June 16 – June 27

JUNE 16, 2025 

Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

BLOCK I

Bill No. 36-0070 An Act amending title 28 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19 by adding section 423 relating to failure to use property acquired through the exercise of the power of eminent. 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, Virgin Islands Department of Justice

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

BLOCK II

The Committee will receive testimony from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on the Street Addressing Initiative Program including a comprehensive update, progress achieved, challenges faced, and anticipated timeline for next steps.

Invited Testifiers:

Nadja Harrigan, Esq., Acting Chief of Staff, Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Chris George, Administrator, GIS Division, Office of the Lieutenant Governor 

Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director, Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism 

JUNE 17, 2025

Committee on Education and Workforce Development

9:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee will receive testimony regarding plans for summer repair and maintenance in public schools, as well as consider and vet proposed committee legislation.

BLOCK I – Plans for summer repair and maintenance in public schools

Invited Testifier:

Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

BLOCK II – Consider and vet proposed committee legislation

Bill No. 36-0049 An Act establishing the Bureau of School Security within the Virgin Islands Department of Education 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Irvin Mason, Director of School Security, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

Gleston E. McIntosh, Jr., Executive Director, Virgin Islands Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)

Honorable Mario Brooks, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Police Department

Kevin Dowdy, School Monitor, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Bill No. 36-0064 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111, section 3100i aligning the disbursement and spending limitations of funds allotted to public schools from the Education Initiative Fund with the realities of academic planning, ensuring that funds are used to maximize student success

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management and Budget

JUNE 18, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Bureau of Corrections

Wynnie Testamark, Director

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Department of Justice

Honorable Gordon C. Rhea, Esq., Attorney General

Continuation of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance Hearing on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6:00 P.M. in the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room on St. John to receive testimony on the following bill:

BLOCK III 6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0092 An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Vincent Richards, Assistant Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement

Mr. Sean L. Claxton, President, St. John Taxi Services Corporation

Ms. Carmen Wesselhoft, Taxi Driver

JUNE 23, 2025

Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

9:30 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide updates on the following agencies:

BLOCK I 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Office of Veterans Affairs including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, its current challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges and the following:

• Outcome of the efforts of the recent delegation’s travels to Puerto Rico;

• Effects of President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders on our territory; and

• Other pertinent information as it pertains to our veterans.

Invited Testifier:

Mr. Patrick Farrell, Director, Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs

BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0090 An act amending title 1 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 by adding section 200m to declare the week beginning the Monday before the first Friday in June as the Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week. 

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Police Department

Bill No. 36-0097 A resolution commending the National Conference of State Legislatures (“NCSL”) on its 50th anniversary and recognizing the NCSL for its commitment to the legislative institution. 

BLOCK III 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0012 An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27 to streamline the GERS disability annuity approval procedures and for other related issues. 

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator, Government Employees Retirement System

Mr. Dwane Callwood, Board Chairman, Government Employees Retirement System

Bill No. 36-0066 An Act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 by adding a section 928a providing that all officials and employees of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority and its wholly owned subsidiaries must be members of the Government Employees

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator, Government Employees Retirement System 

Mr. Dwane Callwood, Board Chairman, Government Employees Retirement System

Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Public Finance Authority 

Mr. Nathan Simmonds, Director of Finance & Administration, Public Finance Authority

Mr. Stephan Adams, President & Chief Executive Officer, ViNGN

JUNE 24, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. 

10:00 A.M. VI Energy Office

Kyle Fleming, Director

12:00 P.M. LUNCH

1:00 P.M. VITEMA

Daryl Jaschen, Director

3:00 P.M. VIFEMS

Antonio Stevens, Director

JUNE 25, 2025

Committee on Rules and Judiciary

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

JUNE 26, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. 

10:00 A.M. Public Service Commission

12:00 P.M. LUNCH

1:00 P.M. Department of Labor

3:00 P.M. Division of Personnel GESC/OCB

JUNE 27, 2025

Regular Session

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Marelise Beach
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Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, June 15, through Saturday, June 21. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

Housing Expo Draws Crowd on St. Croix

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Housing Expo Draws Crowd on St. Croix
Crowds were drawn to D.C. Canegata Recreation Center Saturday to learn about home ownership. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)

For hours Saturday, scores of people gathered at the D.C. Canegata Recreation Center to learn everything it takes to own and care for a home in the Virgin Islands from vendors and the V.I. Housing Finance Authority.

VIHFA staff gave out literature and talked to people about the various housing programs through the V.I. Government. Kikya Kirnon, VIHFA communications director, said they were also highlighting the emergency rental assistance program because it expires at the end of September. Those who are approved can expect their rent to be paid for a maximum of 18 months for any number of reasons- lost jobs, overwhelming expenses, and illness.

Shellyna John and Fabian Walters, of Banco Popular, talked to people about mortgage loans during the VIHFA Housing Expo, Saturday. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)

Vendors included Banco Popular, First Bank, and others. Bank of St. Croix’s president Christiane Williams, said she and Prudencia Mills talked to prospective customers about residential, construction, land, and federal government loans. She recommended people visit the bank’s website to learn where to start the process.

Monique Armstrong of Marshall and Sterling Insurance said a lot of people asked about personal, auto, and homeowners insurance. She said appraisals are required before approval to indicate the amount of insurance that will cover replacing the home.

Many people don’t think of estate planning when they buy a home, but Steve Lowe’s new company, My Estate Shield VI, through the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park, talked to around 50 people who were interested in his services. After leaving their names and contact information, they will be interviewed about their needs.

“People see that the lack of planning causes problems,” he said.

Home Depot displayed home appliances such as fans and internet connectors for sale and gave away games for children and gifts for adults.

Carl Joseph from the V.I. Energy Office said most of the people who visited his table were interested in the Energy Efficiency and Rebate Program that provides a 40% rebate when they buy Energy Star appliances.

“The most important thing I have on this table is “Keys to a Healthy Home” and “Energy Budgeting,” booklets,  he said.

Teri Prendergast, of Global Medivac, said she received a lot of inquiries. The 10-year-old company not only evacuates patients but also brings them home. They cover travel expenses, offer visitor and escort transportation, and even transport pets.

Other vendors included the V.I. Office of Disaster Recovery, Home Depot, St. Croix Board of Realtors, WTJX, and Annaly Insurance Co.

The V.I. Housing Expo will be held again on June 21 at the University of the Virgin Islands Eldridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Quelbe Resurrection and St. John Recovery Choir Present Free Community Dance Party in Coral Bay on June 20

Source staff
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Quelbe Resurrection and St. John Recovery Choir Present Free Community Dance Party in Coral Bay on June 20
Quelbe Resurrection performs during the “One Love” Concert in Cruz Bay in April. (Photo by William Stelzer)

Quelbe Resurrection and the St. John Recovery Choir are teaming up once again to present a free event at Our Place in Coral Bay on Friday, June 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

“This event is a dance party, and all songs will be danceable, so put on your dancing shoes, or just take ‘em off,” said Kristen Carmichael-Bowers, director of Sing St. John, which is producing the concert.

Quelbe Resurrection and the Recovery Choir sang together during the “One Love Concert” in Cruz Bay in April. Because of a last-minute scheduling glitch, a show scheduled for Coral Bay that month was cancelled. Now, Carmichael-Bowers is excited for the opportunity to perform again.

Fostering cultural awareness and strengthening connections within the community are part of Sing St. John’s mission, and Carmichael-Bowers described the choir’s ongoing collaboration with Quelbe Resurrection band as “a hoot!” She also had warm words for the venue in Coral Bay. “Our Place is such a blessing to our community – we’re so grateful to Bev Melius for providing this space for us all to gather,” she said.

Food and local drinks by Coral Bay Catering will be on sale. Delroy “Ital” Anthony will open the event with drumming and song.

Delroy “Ital” Anthony will open the event on June 20 at Our Place. (Photo by William Stelzer)

Quelbe Resurrection has generated a loyal following by performing traditional Quelbe songs on modern instruments and also featuring music from other genres, including R&B, bossa nova, ballads, calypso, jazz, and pop. “You go out to hear reggae and soca, and usually that’s it,” said Carl Powell, one of the band’s founders. “But when you go to hear Quelbe Resurrection, you get a kallaloo.”

“These ‘One Love’ events have been made possible in part through the Mid Atlantic Folk and Traditional Arts – Community Projects program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C., a federal agency,” said Carmichael-Bowers.

“It is thanks to the generosity of our community members and businesses, as well as a grant by the Virgin Islands Lottery, that we are all able to enjoy this celebration of the goodwill and kindness in Love City,” she added.

For further information, call Carmichael-Bowers at 802-380-0761.

Graduation Ceremony Celebrates Transformation at John A. Bell Correctional Facility

Marelise Beach
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Graduation Ceremony Celebrates Transformation at John A. Bell Correctional Facility

The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections, in partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning, held a powerful graduation ceremony on Friday at the John A. Bell Correctional Facility Chapel on St. Croix.

It was a morning filled with promise and pride. The day was described as one of transformation, perseverance, and purpose.

“Today, we honor the individuals who have committed themselves to learning, growth, and change. Through challenges and setbacks, they’ve shown determination, resilience, and the power of a second chance,” said the facility’s case management team.

Honoree Sholome Frances Bey delivers his speech on Friday at the John A. Bell Education and Rehabilitation graduation program. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

Among the honorees was Sholome Frances Bey, who also served as a featured speaker. Bey is the lead instructor for the Promising People Electrical Helper program, a role that extends beyond the classroom as he dedicates himself to mentoring fellow inmates. In addition to teaching, he works in the facility’s mechanic shop, specializing in body work and continuing to build on his technical skills.

In his introduction, Bey was described as “a role model to many.”

The family of Sholome Frances Bey at the John A. Bell Education and Rehabilitation graduation program. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

“His unwavering ambition and integrity serve as a powerful reminder that environment does not define identity. He is the perfect example of how determination and purpose can rewrite a story,” the speaker continued.

Graduates were awarded high school diplomas and certifications in electrical work, job readiness, and other vocational areas.

Graduates at the John A. Bell Education and Rehabilitation’s graduation program listen to a speaker at a ceremony held on their behalf. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The graduating class included:

Tyler Smith, Layfaette Artis, Vaughn Challenger, Sholome Frances Bey, Oral Smith, Charles Frazer, Rasokemo Archibald, Amari Krigger, Christian Nieves, Bernard James, Delicia Daniel, Calvin Parker, Ralph Titre, Curtis Williams, DeAndre George, Daliqua Moses, Troy Massoth, Viviane Stuart, Abijah Isaac, Carlos Ayala, Jiovoni Smith, Manuel Davis, and Jamarie Grigg.

Graduates receive their certificates. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

This event served not only as a celebration of academic and vocational achievement but also as a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity, no matter the circumstance.

Sylvania Ianthe Dalmida Hendricks Dies at 105

Mat Probasco
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Sylvania Ianthe Dalmida Hendricks Dies at 105

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvania Ianthe Dalmida Hendricks, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great, great grandmother, at her home on May 26, 2025, at the age of 105.  

Sylvania Ianthe Dalmida Hendricks

She was the oldest native of St. John.

She was preceded in death by daughter Edith Hendricks-Johnson, granddaughter Latifa Raimer (May 20, 2025), sisters Ruth Quetel and Kathleen Smalls, brothers Austin, James, Oventon, Alexander Coolridge Dalmida, and nephew Joel Dalmida.

She survives by her sons Clement, Edwin and Ellis Hendricks, daughter Everilda Hendricks-Hodge.

Grandchildren Harry Babwah, Damali Johnson Harrigan and Aubrey Johnson, Jr., Edwin R. and Desiree Burghart, Cleon, Kimbra, Kai, Clement, Jr., Cecelia Hendricks, Cherrise Terry, Sunya Joseph, Jon, Raquel. Shawn, Nicole and Jeannine, Raimer, Terry Hagger, Mary Augustine, Artresa Surgent

Great Grand Children: Camae, Cleon Jr., Chris, Chaun Hendricks Jordan R. Grant, Shondelle, Inaya Harrigan, David and Denise Barrow, Latoya, Anneka, Jennifer, Maryesa Stridiron and Hasani Hyman, Gloria and Lakeem Henley, Markia Richards, Lateefah Carty-Prentice. Alejah, Shawn Jr., Amaan Raimer; Jada Fredericks; Jonique Stamers-Whittaker, Davina VanHolten Jamoi Benjamin, Jahquan Harley and Selden Samuel, Jr., Damal Raimer, Alphonso Neille, Jr., T’Shai, Jamel, Aleafia Raimer, Norkia Vicars, Travious, Terry and Layla Hagger, Lynn, Qua Darius Haynes, and Antonia Haynes, Lorelle A. Babwah-Brennen, Jordan A. Babwah, Jenelle Raimer, Jacobi LaFleur, Aliya and Jaden Danet

Daughters in Law: Beverly Hendricks and Alma Hendricks

Granddaughter in Law: Arlene Babwah

Great granddaughter in Law: Hunter Babwah

Great grandson in law: Scott Brennen, Charles Vicars

Sister-in-law: Genevieve Dalmida

Nephew-in-law: Honorable, Chief Justice Rhys Hodge

Special family friends: Carl Maloon, Ursula Victorine, Ashley Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Peters, Myrtle Walters-Xavier, Amorelle and Kayon Harley and  Jean Donovan-Smalls

She survives with many families, and many friends, too numerous to mention.

Funeral service is scheduled for Monday, June 23, at Agape Seventh Day Adventist Church. The first viewing will be 2 to 4 Sunday June 22, at Turnbull Funeral Home.  The second viewing will be at Agape Seventh Day Adventist Church at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Church service is at 10 a.m. with interment at the Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay.

Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull Funeral Home and Cremation Services of St. Thomas, VI.

The family requested shades of green in memory.

For online tributes visit: http://www.turnbullfuneralhomevi.com/obiturary/S. Hendricks

July 4 Frederiksted Fireworks to Honor Jordan Jones

Mat Probasco
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July 4 Frederiksted Fireworks to Honor Jordan Jones

On July 4, 2025, the Frederiksted waterfront will once again light up with a dazzling fireworks display hosted by Our Town Frederiksted (OTF) and produced by VI Pyro LLC. This year’s celebration will carry special meaning as the community honors the life of Jordan Jones, who grew up in Frederiksted and whose life tragically ended too soon. 

July 4 fireworks on St. Croix (Susan Ellis photo)
July 4, 2017 fireworks on St. Croix (Susan Ellis photo)

At the request of his family and friends, including members of the VI Pyro team, this year’s display will close with a farewell tribute in Jordan’s honor. Having assisted VI Pyro with previous fireworks shows, Jordan played a quiet but important role in bringing joy to others through celebration. One minute after the conclusion of the main fireworks show, VI Pyro will launch the largest shell in their inventory, with Jordan’s ashes attached. As the shell bursts high above the Caribbean Sea, his remains will be spread over the waters that shaped his childhood, serving as a final and fitting goodbye.

“Our thoughts are with Jordan’s mom, Hope, and his family and loved ones,” said Shomari Moorehead, President of Our Town Frederiksted. “Jordan was more than a supporter of community events, he was also a part of them. We are honored to work with VI Pyro to give Jordan the send-off he deserves, over his hometown, above the sea, surrounded by light.”

“This tribute is deeply personal to us,” said Russ Battiato of VI Pyro. “Jordan was part of our team. This final shell is a symbol of gratitude and remembrance.”

The July 4th celebration is free and open to the public. Community members are welcome to gather with respect and support as Frederiksted says farewell to one of its own.

MiChille A. Turnbull Dies at 61

Mat Probasco
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MiChille A. Turnbull Dies at 61

Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of MiChille A. Turnbull on June 8, 2025 at the age of 61. 

MiChille Turnbull

She is preceded in death by her husband: Cleve “Grapo” Turnbull

She is survived by: Mother: Eunice Ottley Petersen, Father: Everad Petersen, Daughter: Candeya S. Turnbull-Browne, Son: Caleve K. H. Turnbull, Grandchildren: Caheal H. Turnbull, Kaylen K. Browne, Camry K. Turnbull, Cameron H. Turnbull, Son–in–law: Kelvin E. Browne, Daughter–in–law: Yanelle C. Turnbull, Siblings: Ramona Lewis, Ronald Lewis, Melvin Otega Petersen, Maxine Petersen, LeVar Kennings, Maurice Petersen, Melissa Petersen 

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 24 at All Saints Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. 

The family request pink and pearls to be worn. 

Interment: Private Burial 

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences, or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com 

Lawrence Sewer — Educator, Herbalist, Veteran — Dies at 83

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Lawrence Sewer — Educator, Herbalist, Veteran — Dies at 83
Educator Larry Sewer captured in the classroom at E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School. (Submitted photo)

Former St. Thomas educator Larry Sewer is being remembered as a dedicated military veteran, musician, and naturalist. Sewer died June 10 at the age of 83.

Most of all, he was remembered by his daughter as a parent who stayed engaged with his two children. Daughter Lo’An Lake said her father had a way of bringing people together and sharing thoughts that could enrich their lives.

In a nomination essay submitted to a 175th Emancipation Anniversary committee, Lake shared the reasons why her dad should be considered as a V.I. Living Legend:

“First Sergeant U.S. Army, Retired Lawrence R. Sewer is a retired educator and Virgin Islands native who lives and breathes the essence of our home. For three decades, he poured into his students, using VI history, culture, and agriculture to reinforce his teachings. As the author of The Virgin Island Child Poem, his words have inspired generations of V.I. children to operate in and pursue excellence with pride in themselves and their home,” she wrote.

There was also mention of Sewer’s work as a labor leader with the American Federation of Teachers, and his engagement with early efforts of the V.I. Constitutional Convention.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed Latin music and played conga drums. His quest for greater insights into the natural world also led the St. Thomian educator to attend an AIDS conference in West Africa in 2005.

A lifelong love of nature fueled his interest in science, and Lake said it helped Sewer choose education as his path to pursue. In the classroom, he also used his fluency with Spanish and English to help students learn English as a Second Language, although there was no formal program in the local school system at the time, Lake said.

His love of teaching found a voice in 1978 when he published a poem titled “I am A Virgin Island Child.”

“He created the piece to honor and celebrate the request of students at the E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School on St. Thomas. Now, almost 40 years later, this poem is still empowering Virgin Islands youth and creating a spark in the minds of our children,” Lake wrote in a 2016 article written for the Source.

Larry Sewer is survived by his life partner, Velma Abramsen; brothers, Alexander Joseph and Warren Claxton; sisters, Elise Kean and Abigail Casey; daughters, Loán Lake and Zenzilé Hodge; and grandson, Rafael Hodge.

Coral Bay Culture Bearer Avelino Samuel Dies at 68

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Coral Bay Culture Bearer Avelino Samuel Dies at 68

Members of the Virgin Islands arts community are remembering the life of St. John master craftsman Avelino Samuel, who died June 7 at the age of 68. Samuel is one of two Virgin Islanders to have his work featured in exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Avelino Samuel poses before handmade quilt designed by his sister, Karen Samuel. (Submitted photo)

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. was among those paying tribute to a humble and dedicated artisan and educator who began his career as an Industrial Arts teacher at the Julius E. Sprauve School in Cruz Bay. After 30 years of teaching day classes and nighttime wood shop for community members, Samuel traveled the world conducting workshops.

“Avelino was more than an artist. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a quiet force for good whose work touched lives across the Virgin Islands and beyond. His talent for woodturning was matched only by his humility and his deep love for our culture and our people,” Bryan said. “From the classrooms of Julius E. Sprauve School to exhibitions around the world, Avelino carried the spirit of St. John with him. He taught us that beauty can come from simple things, and that craftsmanship, care, and community go hand in hand.”

Born in Coral Bay in 1956, to Willis and Doris Samuel, Avelino was one of their 10 children. Raised in a life of simplicity, he learned his craft by fashioning tools, toys and household objects at a time when mass-produced consumer goods on St. John were scarce. Samuel also enjoyed life along the shore as a free-diving fisherman, and could be seen along the shores of Hansen Bay scaling his catch from a bucket while seated under a sea grape tree.

As his craft evolved, Samuel added furniture making to his offerings. Many of those pieces — including a four-poster mahogany bed — became collectors’ items. Native woods — genip, mahogany, raintree, and white prickly — were the materials he worked with.

His frequent visits to symposia held by the American Association of Woodturners introduced him to some of the nation’s best lathe turners and woodworkers. Those associations also gave Samuel opportunities to share new works with audiences abroad. Some of his works were featured in a 2016 exhibition at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture, alongside fellow Caribbean woodturner John Mascoll of Barbados. Years of dedication through teaching, spending time in the workshop, and forming friendships in the artisan community led to his pieces being featured in some of the world’s finest private and public collections, including at the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery.

Local mahogany wood, red-stained and ebonized wood vessel by Avelino Samuel (Photo courtesy Bajo el Sol Gallery)

Many of Samuel’s later pieces belonged to a distinctive style of ornate hand-turned hollow vessels, for which he became increasingly known. “Avelino Samuel was an artist of extraordinary talent — his work transcended place and time, leaving a lasting impact both within our community and across the globe,” said St. John gallery owners Priscilla Hintz Rivera and David Knight Jr.

“For decades, he was an integral part of the Bajo el Sol Gallery family. As curators, he was a dream to work with — thoughtful, visionary, and deeply committed to his craft. It was a true honor to collaborate with him and to help share his remarkable artistry with the world.”

Family and friends say they will soon announce the time and place of a memorial service. Sisters Cicely and Karen Samuel posted a statement on their social media pages shortly after their brother’s passing:

We are deeply saddened to share that Avelino Samuel, devoted father, beloved brother, loving uncle, esteemed educator, and renowned wood-turning artist, passed away on June 7th … His mastery of native woods and hand-turned vessels showcased his artistry and vision, leaving a lasting imprint on all who admired his work. His legacy will continue to live on in the beauty he created and the lives he touched,” the sisters said.

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